One of the most popular irrational fears, the fear of public speaking, is inexplicably scary. Giving a speech in front of a large crowd cannot physically farm you in any way (unless they throw things, of course). So why, then, is glossophobia so prominent? Furthermore, the audience understands that the speaker is just human and they will understand if the speaker stumbles a few times.



My speculation as to why some people are more afraid of public speaking than death is because the speaker is aware that everyone listening is judging them and what they are saying. To speak one's mind takes courage and to do it with a microphone under a spotlight is even harder. Because this cannot bring pain to the speaker, though, this type of fear is classified as irrational.